New Mexico House Bill 36 seeks to expand optometrists' laser treatment capabilities

In a pivotal meeting of the New Mexico Senate Judiciary Committee on March 20, 2025, lawmakers engaged in a heated debate over House Bill 36, which seeks to expand the scope of practice for optometrists to include in-office laser procedures. The bill aims to enhance patient access to eye care, particularly for post-cataract treatment and glaucoma management, by allowing optometrists to perform laser surgeries that are currently restricted to ophthalmologists.

Dr. Sarah Voorz, a past president of the New Mexico Optometric Association, presented the bill, emphasizing that optometrists are trained to perform these procedures safely and effectively. She cited a record of 146,000 laser procedures conducted by optometrists with minimal adverse events, arguing that the bill would reduce wait times and travel burdens for patients seeking care in their communities.

However, the proposal faced significant opposition from the New Mexico Academy of Ophthalmology and other medical professionals. Dr. Rebecca Laneher, the Academy's president, expressed deep concerns about patient safety, highlighting the critical differences in training between optometrists and ophthalmologists. She warned that complications from laser procedures could lead to severe consequences, including the need for emergency surgeries, which optometrists may not be equipped to handle.

Vicky Rutledge, a patient who suffered permanent vision loss after a laser procedure performed by an optometrist, shared her harrowing experience, underscoring the potential dangers of allowing non-medical doctors to perform such invasive surgeries. Other opponents echoed her sentiments, arguing that the bill could compromise patient safety and lead to an increase in complications.

The committee members grappled with the implications of the bill, weighing the need for improved access to eye care against the potential risks associated with expanding optometrists' surgical capabilities. Some lawmakers expressed skepticism about the adequacy of optometrists' training for performing complex procedures, emphasizing that surgery should only be conducted by those with extensive experience and oversight.

As the meeting concluded, the committee faced a challenging decision that could reshape the landscape of eye care in New Mexico. The discussions highlighted a broader debate about the balance between expanding healthcare access and ensuring patient safety, a theme that resonates deeply within the ongoing conversations about healthcare reform across the nation. The fate of House Bill 36 remains uncertain, as lawmakers continue to deliberate the best path forward for the residents of New Mexico.